Portland Marathon weekend brought plenty of extra traffic to the city. Longer drives, detours, stop-and-go roads, and extended idling can put your vehicle through a little more work than usual. If your car started acting differently during the weekend, now is a good time to get a free check engine check and find out what is going on.

Start with the warning light.

A check engine light does not always point to a major repair. It could be something simple, such as a loose gas cap, or it could involve a sensor, emissions system, ignition, or engine component. A diagnostic check can help identify what the vehicle is reporting instead of leaving you to guess.

Look for changes in how your car drives.

Even without a warning light, keep an eye out for:

• Rough idling
• Difficulty starting
• Reduced acceleration
• Unusual engine noises
• Lower fuel economy
• Stalling or hesitation

These symptoms can be easier to notice after a weekend of heavier city driving.

Do not ignore a light just because the car still runs.

A vehicle can continue driving normally while a developing issue is stored in its computer system. Getting it checked early can give you a better idea of whether the problem needs attention now or further diagnosis.

Use the post-marathon slowdown as a reminder.

Now that Portland, Oregon is back to its usual routine, it is a good time to check anything that felt different during the busy weekend. Multnomah Automotive offers a free check engine check to help identify potential issues and determine whether additional service is needed. If your dashboard light is still on, do not let it become something you simply get used to seeing. 

Stop by Multnomah Automotive for a free check engine check and find out what your car has been trying to tell you.